Independent car dealers can access free training on buying and selling used electric vehicles through a new industry programme.
EV Retail Ready has been developed by the BVRLA, the Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) and EVA England, with support from Lex Autolease, mfldirect, Octopus Electric Vehicles and Zenith.
The online course covers commercial viability, energy and charging, running costs and the customer journey. It is expected to take up to two hours and can be completed at the dealer’s own pace.
Individuals who complete the course and its assessments will receive accreditation. A dealership can also be accredited once all its consumer-facing staff have completed the programme.
Participants will have access to ClearWatt’s EV Explorer, which provides vehicle-specific information on batteries, charging and real-world range to help staff answer customer questions.
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google
The organisations behind the scheme said they wanted to support independent dealers as more electric cars enter the used market following their first period of ownership.
Unlike franchised dealerships, independent businesses may have less access to manufacturer training and technical support.
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive, said: “Independent dealers are a fundamental part of the transition to electric vehicles.
“More EVs are entering the used market every month and we need to make sure businesses across the sector have the confidence and knowledge to sell them successfully.”
Gareth Angove, head of business at the IMDA, said the course would help dealers understand EVs and give customers reassurance when considering a purchase.
The training also addresses the advice customers receive at handover. EVA England said its 2026 driver survey found that around a third of respondents had a positive handover experience, while one in 10 rated theirs poor or very poor.
Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: “The showroom is often a new EV driver’s first point of contact and where they go for advice on whether this is the right car for them.
“They need reassurance from salespeople who understand these cars.”
Independent dealers can register for the free course through the IMDA website.